Tiantu Point (RN-22 / Heavenly Protrusion, also known as Yuhu, Tianqu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Tiantu (RN-22 / Heavenly Protrusion). Learn its benefits for asthma, cough, sore throat, and goiter – the meeting point of Ren and Yin Wei – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Asthma, cough, hemoptysis with purulent sputum, sudden loss of voice (aphonia), sore throat, goiter, globus hystericus, chest and back pain, and urticaria.
Precise Location
In the anterior cervical region, at the center of the suprasternal fossa, on the anterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright with head leaning back or lie supine. On the anterior midline of the neck, directly below the laryngeal prominence, at the center of the suprasternal fossa depression – that is the point.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Tiantu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat sore throat. Therapeutic actions: Disperses lung qi and relieves wheezing, descends rebellious qi and stops vomiting, clears the throat and benefits the larynx, and transforms phlegm and restores the voice.
Compatibility
Cough and asthma: Combine with Danzhong (RN-17). Sore throat and sudden loss of voice: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Hegu (LI-4). Goiter and globus hystericus: Combine with Renying (ST-9) and Futu (LI-18). Hemoptysis with purulent sputum: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Kongzui (LU-6). Cough with qi counterflow: Combine with Dingchuan (EX-B1) and Danzhong (RN-17).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and is the meeting point of the Ren Mai and the Yin Wei Vessel. It disperses lung qi and relieves wheezing, descends rebellious qi and stops vomiting, clears the throat and benefits the larynx, and transforms phlegm and restores the voice. It is a commonly used key point for treating respiratory and throat disorders – especially effective for asthma, cough, and sore throat. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tian" means heaven or upper; "Tu" means protrusion or prominence. Located at the center of the suprasternal fossa, with a depression below and the laryngeal prominence above, resembling a "heavenly protrusion" – hence the name Tiantu (Heavenly Protrusion). It is also known as "Yuhu" and "Tianqu."
Contraindications
The deep layer contains the trachea – needling angle and depth should be carefully controlled. Insert vertically 0.2 cun first, then turn the needle tip downward and insert 0.5–1 cun along the posterior border of the manubrium. Avoid deep insertion to prevent injury to the trachea or pneumothorax. Moxibustion is permissible but rarely used.
